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Brenda Lee Hawkins, 64

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brenda Lee (Sousa) Hawkins, 64, of North Adams. She departed this world peacefully at her home on Monday, January 15th, 2024, surrounded by many loved ones after a short and unexpected battle with cancer.

She was born on January 6th, 1960, to Jeannine and Manuel Sousa, in Lowell, Massachusetts, where she was raised with her brother and three sisters. In 1984 she relocated to North Adams where she made her home as the proud and devoted mother of her son and daughter, Waylon (b. 1980) and Amanda (b. 1983). In 1989, she began a 34-year career as a homelife support counselor, caring for adults with developmental disabilities at BFAIR, where was committed to a career in helping others, before retiring due to health issues in 2023. She made many good friends there and was well-liked and trusted by her coworkers, who have described her as one of the kindest, most trustworthy people they have known. It’s been said that she would listen without judgement and always gave sage advice. She made holidays special for those in her care and would provide everyone with personalized gifts, and was even known to dress up as the Easter Bunny or the Grinch on occasion. As a longtime volunteer for Girl Scouts of America, she would often invite those in her care to join her in her enriching Girl Scout trips and activities.

Brenda was beloved among those who knew her and especially by her large family, with whom she spent much of her leisure time. Perhaps her single favorite activity was taking her grandchildren on vacation, and over the years they were able to accompany her on trips to Disney World, Legoland, The Great Wolf Lodge, Hershey Park, Six Flags, and countless other unforgettable excursions. She also loved decorating for holidays, and we will always have fond memories of Brenda (or “Nana” as her grandkids called her) putting up holiday trees for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and any other occasion she could use to display her impressive collections of themed décor. Many of her days were spent with her grandchildren, to whom she brought immense joy. They will always remember the hours spent making crafts and sewing, summers spent in the pool, shopping trips to the mall, and special sleepovers with Nana. She loved collecting Legos and pressed pennies obtained on her many adventures, and we will never think of The Grinch or The Wizard of Oz without being fondly reminded of our Nana.

Brenda had a characteristic that is quite rare indeed; she was impeccably good and kind. She never had a negative word to say about anyone and discouraged cynicism in others. Everything she ever did, she did to the benefit of someone else, rarely putting her own needs first, and always with a mind towards what was good and right. Her generosity was unmatched; she lived to provide joy for others, and derived her greatest pleasures from witnessing that joy. Of everyone she loved and inspired, she was particularly special in the lives of her daughter and best friend Amanda, her beloved sisters Gloria and Martha, her treasured grandchildren Mitch, Vivianna, Hayden, Zoey, Zakiya, Braley and Randy, and her closest niece Megan Dec-Morgo and nephew James Dec.

Her diagnosis was unexpected and shocking and the family is in disbelief over her sudden departure. Nevertheless, we take comfort in knowing that the immaculate example she set will live in our hearts forever. We are privileged beyond measure for having known her, having been loved by her so deeply, and having had her as a mother, nana, sister, friend, coworker and role model, even though our time with her was cut short. For the time we did have… oh what a great adventure it was. We will always love you and miss you.

Brenda leaves her daughter, Amanda L. Belanger and son-in-law Nathan of North Adams, her son Waylon J. Hawkins of Pownal, VT and stepson Randy J. Cox of North Adams. She also leaves her grandchildren, Mitchell Maynard, Vivianna Belanger, Zoey Hawkins, Braley Cox, Zakiya Hawkins, Randy Cox Jr, and Hayden Belanger. Brenda also leaves her siblings, Manuel J. Sousa Jr., Gloria J. Dec and Martha P. Fox and brother-in-law, James Burd and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Sousa Burd in 2022.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours for Brenda Hawkins will be on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 4-6:30 PM, a service will follow at 6:30 PM at Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Homes – WEST CHAPEL 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA 01247. There is no burial. Donations may be made in her memory to the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home. To add to the book of memories please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com


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Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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Amanda I was heartbroken to hear of your Moms passing. She was a amazing women/ friend. I loved our late night talks. I will always remember our adventures! Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers??
from: Marie G.on: 01-22-2024

I know how close you were to your mother, and I ache for your sudden loss. Sending lots of love your way, today and as long as you need it.
Margie
from: Margie Durningon: 01-22-2024

Amanda, I am so sad to read this. Some of my best memories from BFAIR are when I would work with your mom at Kemp after my office hours. She would always bring crafts and things for them to do, which most definitely brought joy to their lives. She will be missed!
from: Kayla Brown-Woodon: 01-22-2024

Brenda was an incredible woman. She was a hard worker and her sense of humor brought smiles. She was with me through the journey with my aunt with dementia,sweet and caring always. I am saddened for your lost. She loved her children and grandchildren so much. Her family was her world. I will cherish her memory.
from: Val Tracyon: 01-20-2024

Dear Amanda , family, friends, No words will help for the loss of your Mom. But know I am keeping you in thoughts and prayers. I worked with Brenda and she was so dedicated to the People she cared for.
God Bless
Martha Labbee
from: Martha Degen-Labbeeon: 01-20-2024

Brenda brought joy, kindness, humor and love to my sister Betsy's life every single one of the 34 years she spent with BFAIR. Both born in January of 1960, Betsy and Brenda had their own very special bond. Brenda's keen insight helped her to anticipate and respond to Betsy's special needs - and there were many! My heart goes out to Amanda and the rest of Brenda's family. May you find joy and peace in your memories of Brenda.
from: Sally Hart Petersenon: 01-20-2024

Oh Amanda, I am so so sorry. Your mom was completely instrumental in my sister Betsy's happiness and quality of life. They were practically birthday twins, and Brenda brought Betsy so much joy! Her fabulous decorating at Kemp will be missed, but mostly her kind and generous spirit. Brenda "got" Betsy, and Betsy's life, and ours, is so much better for it. So much love to you.
from: Susan, Betsy's older sisteron: 01-20-2024

Very sorry to hear this my sincere condolences to your whole family
from: Cheryl Slickon: 01-20-2024

What a kind and wonderful woman Brenda was. Her dedication to others was truly remarkable and such a great example to others in the field. You will truly be missed.
from: Don: 01-19-2024

I can’t remember a time she wasn’t there for me. It’s going to be so difficult without her in our lives. My heart is broken for our family. She will be profoundly missed.
I’m still in shock. It hits me on small waves here and there. When life settles from all the final events, I know it will hit hard. I truly love my Auntie Brenda. I loved sharing time with her through the years. I will forever miss her. Even though i we all know I will forever be her favorite..
from: Dtr that got awayon: 01-19-2024

My beloved mother... my heart is truly shattered by losing you. It is not fair. How are we having to say good-bye so soon? We should have had more time. We had so many things left to say, see and do. Your absence is and will continue to be excruciatingly loud; a void that will never be filled. This grief is crushing me, but I am your daughter - I will be strong and will survive by holding tight to all the memories and love you left behind. You have been the most amazing mother and Nana and we love you more than could ever be said and shown. We will think of you and miss you everyday for the rest of our lives. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me, Mitch, Vivianna, Hayden, and Nate; but especially for your love. I wish you eternal peace... and I love you.
from: Amanda L. Belangeron: 01-19-2024

Amanda, we are so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. May God bless and watch over her....R.I.P.
from: Rick & Linda Bombardieron: 01-19-2024

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